As anyone who has had even a brief interaction with home security will know, smart security can be quite complex. While some people find it easy to deal with, others find it quite a challenging and frustrating process. If you are looking to find out more about home security and pick the right home security system, then our Colorado Springs Electrical Contractors would love to help you do just that.

Many people ask us if smart home security is the next step in theft prevention and general security. Let’s take a look at whether or not this particular statement rings true.

While many people will be happy to stick with a classic and old-school burglar alarm, smart home security changes the parameters. Aside from just offering you an alarm if someone breaks in, it also offers everything you need to stay in control. Monitor, manage and control your property without any issues whatsoever; even if you are out of the house, this gives you regular alerts and notifications.

This means that if you are on holiday or even just in work, you can be informed about a potential breach. Then, you can act upon that and make sure there is a clear decision to be made about what to do with the potential threat. However, even with that appeal and the more modern alert system, is smart home security at the level yet where you can justifiably invest in it? Let’s take a closer look.

Colorado Springs Electrical Contractors: What Is Smart Home Security?

Typically, these are internet connected security platforms that all run and work together. They help to deliver a more up to date form of home security, and offer you both wireless security and wired platforms. With various gadgets rolled into one system, you can usually:

Set clear lock mechanisms on the doors that can only be accessed with the right codes.

These features all naturally play a major role in modern security. With theft and burglary more sophisticated than ever, it’s vital we’re very clear about the potential problems that await us. As crime gets more intelligent, though, so do features that help keep criminals out.

Since these are driven by an internet connection, they tend to deliver a very easy to use and access security platform. Most home security systems also come with an app, too. The app can give you access to controlling and handling security. It also offers a viable solution for referring to old footage ad even using the footage as proof in a case, should any issues need to go to court for resolution.

Colorado Springs Electrical Contractors: Key Features

Normally, a reliable home smart security system delivers various other features on top of what we mentioned above. For example, you will regularly find night vision-enabled, two-way speaker security platforms. This is great for parents with newborn children, in particular.

You can also get access to temperature and moisture sensors. This is useful for making sure you can spot major problems before they escalate. From a leak to a flood incoming through to a fire, this feature will help you to know exactly what is coming before it gets out of hand.

They also often have new features that are nice extra touches. For example, you can play a preset noise when someone walks through a particular door. This is great for everything from preparing for burglary to knowing when someone is coming into the room so you can hide a surprise present!

GP tracking and telecare now come with many forms of smart technology and safety. Not only does this provide you with a very useful way to check in on elderly members of the household, but it offers an easy way to know where they are – and if they need help.

The other key element of a smart home system today is movement sensors. If someone who is vulnerable or needs care a movement sensor can alert their guardian to when the person is not moving the way that they should be in both volume, distance or attitude.

Colorado Springs Electrical Contractors: Determining the Cost

Now, it’s common for the cost of a home security system to put people off. However, can you really put a price on 100% peace of mind that you can catch perpetrators before they damage your property or even hurt your family? Smart home security provides such a guarantee. For that reason, most see the investment into a smart security system as worthwhile. Starting at around £500, you can easily pick up and install wireless security systems throughout your home. This offers protection to doors and windows, and will make sure you always have a third pair of eyes watching over your home even when you are away.

For those who value their property or their privacy, smart home security makes an obvious starting point. While the cost can rise due to the size of your home and the style of home security needed, it’s worth it. Generally, it’s one of the safest ways to protect your home from vandalism. All of this in mind, then, should make it much easier for you to decide on your needs. From budget to house size, various factors determine what you’ll need to pay. This is why we recommend that you contact our Colorado Springs Electrical Contractors team as soon as possible.

We can arrange a rapid solution to help make your home feel as safe as possible. If you fear that you lack the quality security needed to keep your home safe, take action. Going big on a smart home security system is the way to go.

If you don’t have a home security system installed, what are you waiting for? There are so many reasons you should have one installed, even besides keeping your home safe. Here are our five favorite reasons why we think you should have a home security system installed!

Break ins can happen to anyone, anywhere. Make sure your family stay safe by installing a home security system. Free stock photo of break in, brutal, burglar : taken from – https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-lights-legs-silhouette-8827/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/

Home security systems Colorado Springs: Protect your valuables

The number one reason why anyone has a security system installed is to keep their home and valuables safe. In some areas of the country, homeowners (and renters!) are at risk of burglary. You’ll never know when they’re about to break in, and if you’re unlucky, you won’t hear them. Burglars can take everything of value that isn’t pinned down, and leave your house in an awful mess. Anything that stops that is a good thing.

Burglar alarms keep burglars away. Not only can a home security system inform police of a break-in, and sound an alarm if there is one, but it will deter burglars from even attempting to break in. A home security that’s visible from the street will stop your home from being burglarized at all. So whether you’re at home, or you’re on holiday, you can rest assured that your home and everything in it are going to be safe.

Home security systems Colorado Springs: Protect your family

Home security systems are for keeping safe everything that’s valuable to you. So whether that’s your jewellery, your computer, your Xbox, or your loved ones, a home security system can help.

Of course, even more important than your valuables are your family. You can’t possibly put a price on keeping you and your family safe. And a home security system will do just that. Of course, the worst case situation of a burglary is that you or your family will be hurt, either in confronting the burglars, or for some other, even worse reason. It doesn’t bear thinking about. But you can have peace of mind by installing a security system, so that situations like that won’t ever arise. If you’re not sure how your system works, you can always ask one of our friendly master electricians!

Onto another important reason. Having a home security system installed can actually help to save you money in the long run! Home insurance premiums, like every other kind of insurance, are determined based on risk. So if you’re going on holiday to somewhere particularly dangerous, your travel insurance will cost more. Or, if you keep your car on the kerb instead of in your garage, you’ll pay more for auto insurance. It’s how insurance companies make money!

The exact same applies to home insurance. If your home is somewhere dangerous, you’ll have to pay more. If you keep Picasso paintings on the wall, you’ll have to pay more again. And if you have no home security system, you’ll have to pay the most. You can knock a sizeable chunk from your monthly premiums by having a security system installed, so you’ll be able to save a lot of money in the long run. And where we’re from, saving money is always a good thing!

Make sure your home stays safe and secure by installing a home security system.Blue and Gray Concrete House With Attic during Twilight · Free Stock Photo : taken from – https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-and-gray-concrete-house-with-attic-during-twilight-186077/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/

Home security systems Colorado Springs: Raise the value of your home or business

Another reason to have a home security system installed is that it can improve the value of your home. Any kind of home improvement does the same. So, if you have a new kitchen installed, you can add a few thousand dollars to your house price. If you have your yard landscaped, you can add a few thousand more. And the same goes for having a home security system installed.

If you ever look to sell your house, potential buyers will be impressed with your security. Nobody would want to move into a house in a dangerous area, with no security, weak locks and flimsy doors. But if you’re serious about security, you’ll be able to impress buyers and make it simple for them to imagine living in your home. So whether you’re trying to sell your first home, whether it’s in an unsafe area or not, you’ll have a much easier time selling it with a home security system- and you can charge more, too!

Home security systems Colorado Springs: Keep an eye on your home when you’re away

An important part of a full security system are security cameras. And they’re not just for watching your front yard. You can have them installed throughout your home or business, to keep an eye on everything from your kitchen to your lounge. When you’re away from home- on holiday, on a work trip, or just out and about- you can rest assured that anything going on back home will be on camera.

And thanks to technology, the live feed from these cameras can be accessed online. Talk about useful! So when you’re on holiday or out for the night, you can keep an eye on your home. You’ll have no more trouble with the babysitter- and all because you had a home security system installed!

Are you thinking of having security system put in place at home, and you’re wondering what to expect from a home security alarm installation? Look no further: read our quick guide on how home security alarms are installed!

Home security alarm installation: site assessment

The first step of an alarm installation- or any security installation for that matter- is to assess your home. This assessment is only brief, and consists of having a little look around the inside and outside of your home. The engineer won’t poke around your laundry room- unless you want your alarm installed in there, to keep your washing safe- they’ll just look around enough to figure out how best to place and install your alarm.

The point of the site assessment is to pinpoint the ideal position for your security equipment. Installing security cameras is a good example: there’s no point having a camera pointed at the wall! Through the site assessment, we make sure that that scenario could never happen: all cameras would be placed looking along hallways, for instance.

The same applies to installing a home security alarm. You want to make sure that it’s close to to the main entry points of the house, where you’ll be able to quickly and easily turn it on and off, and input your pass code. The site assessment will also take into account the task of where best to install the alarm in terms of the electrics: can the alarm be installed in a particular place with a minimum of wiring having to be installed?

When you have your actual alarm installed, it actually doesn’t take too long. The engineer has to do two things: install the wiring that’s going to power the alarm (or alarms), and then fit the alarm itself. The part that takes the longest is doing the wiring. This depends on your house, more than anything. Some houses, particularly older ones, have erratic and unpredictable wiring; but no matter what kind of house you live in, the engineer will try and make sure they don’t have to knock through any walls just to install your alarm.

Once the engineer finishes the wiring, they’ll move on to fitting the alarm. It isn’t too complicated. It basically involves plugging the alarm in through the back of the system. Afterwards, the engineer fixes the alarm to the wall. If you want more than one alarm, installing them will obviously take twice as long. So prepare to make a cup of coffee or two for your hard working electrician!

After we install your system, we have to configure it. To configure your alarm system, we have to ask you: what would you like it to do? Obviously, it’s for keeping burglars out, but we don’t mean that. What we mean is that we can configure the system to know when you’ll be leaving in the morning, when you’ll be coming home in the evening, and what days you work. That way, it can know when to expect you, and it won’t call the police when you arrive home from work.

Configuring the system is something you can do yourself. But while we’re there, we may as well do it for you! It won’t take long, and all it involves is asking you a few questions about your schedule. If you’re more of a private person, we can skip this step. It’s up to you. Either way, we’ll leave a manual for you after we finish installing your alarm. You can use the manual to figure out how to program the security alarm yourself. For anybody of a certain age, it will probably remind you of setting your VCR to record something after you go to bed!

Home security alarm installation: testing the system

The last thing we’ll do before we leave is test your system for you. This, of course, is just to make sure that it works as intended, and as programmed. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t work at all; the only fault we’re likely to find at this point is that the timing instructions might be a little off- in other words, which times to expect you and which times to suspect a burglar is breaking in.

The test is pretty simple. It’s a case of pretending to break in and seeing if the alarm goes off! If you would like, you can jimmy your own window and sneak in to see if the security alarm detects you as it should. If you’d rather not, we can do it for you!

What are the benefits of a professional installing your alarm system?

It is possible to install your own security system, and it will save you money on the initial installation fee. But we recommend having a professional install it for you, and here’s why:

If you aren’t an electrician, you might not fully appreciate the danger of installing anything electrical. Getting things wrong could be lethal. If you do manage to install the system correctly, and you have it working, that’s not the end of the story: one improperly insulated wire could one day cause a fire. So installing an electrical appliance is definitely different to putting together your own furniture from Ikea.

If things do go wrong for you- say, the alarm just won’t configure properly or the wiring is all messed up- you’ll have to call out an electrician anyway, and spend all the money you tried to save. Not to mention, all that work you put in just went down the drain! You may as well sit back and let somebody else do everything for you.

The proof of a properly installed security system is in it catching burglars in the act. It’s best not to wait until your system has to prove itself- you should get it professionally installed, because there are professionals who secure people’s homes for a living. It’s wise to rely on them!

Why trust Wire Works Co Inc for electricians Colorado Springs?

Wire Works Co Inc has over 20 years of experience in providing quality electrical installations, including home theaters, lighting, & security systems. Our licenses and insurance are up-to-date. In addition, we have many testimonials from satisfied clients. Wire Works Co Inc serves Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado. We are a local, trusted master electrician. Contact us today to meet a friendly, helpful electrician who can help you with all your home theater needs & wants.

What do electricians in Colorado Springs do?

An Electrical Contractor or a Master Electrician installs and maintains electrical power, lighting, communication and control systems in homes, offices, businesses and factories. An Electrical Contractor would work on building a home theater; maintain electrical wiring and home automation Colorado Springs or help with home theater installation.

A Master Electrician directs and trains other electricians to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring or equipment. He manages a team of electricians, studies blueprints or technical diagrams, identifies any electrical problems, replaces electrical wires or rewires a building and may work with a home theater installer Colorado Springs. An electrical contractor or a master electrician will have a comprehensive understanding of the state and local building regulations that are based on the National Electric Code.

Electrical contractors may work alone, or collaborate with other professionals such as architects, civil engineers and building contractors. They may work with specialists such as elevator installers, heating and air conditioning workers, or home theater installers in Colorado Springs.

Hire Only Licensed Professionals For Electrical Needs

An electrician is a man who is licensed and specializes in the installation, repair and maintenance of various electrical appliances for both residential and commercial purposes.

They are trained in this field with the main focus on how the electrical feature of an appliance works. They look deeply into the engineering and the electrical connectivity of a device and therefore when something goes wrong, the electricians in Colorado Springs know exactly how to fix it. The electrical appliances of today are more complicated to understand than ever before. With every device being “smart technology” these days, the systems are a combination of fine detailed engineering and design. It is a must to get them installed with the help of a professional to avoid wear and tear.

Many people try to save that extra buck or two on installation by trying to go through the reader manual and install these appliances on their own. Well, an important aspect that they don’t understand is that the appliance may have cost them a fortune and in the process of saving those few extra bucks, they may actually be risking thousands. There is a good chance that you may connect the wrong wires, or get the sockets mixed up. Electric appliances are delicate and all it needs is one spark to destroy the entire piece. Expert electricians of Colorado Springs help install your gadgets perfectly at exclusive and reasonable prices that do not feel too heavy on your pocket. They are licensed individuals who are trained to deal with these things and are just a call away. Contact Wire Works Co Inc today!

What is the Minimum Qualification required to be an Electrician?

In almost all states, electricians need to be certified. But before that, a prospective electrician must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. They should have taken 1 year of algebra in high school, pass an aptitude test and pass a drug test. This is the minimum qualification required to attend a technical school, where they learn the techniques involved in operating with circuitry, electrical safety practices and the basics related to electrical science. On graduating from a technical school, electricians may continue their education and learn more about safety practices, details about the electrical code, and get specialized training by manufacturers in various electrical products.

After completing their initial training, electricians may be required to take continuing education courses. These courses are usually related to safety practices, changes to the electrical code, and training from manufacturers in specific products such as building a home theater and work as a home theater installer Colorado Springs, for example.

Electricians are required to get certified even as they are trained through apprenticeship programs under electrical contracting companies that are sponsored by local unions or national associations.

Aspiring electricians may join a certificate program before or during an apprenticeship with an electrical contractor. An apprenticeship program may take 4 to 5 years to complete. During an apprenticeship program, electricians must complete a minimum of 144 hours of technical training and over 2,000 hours of on-the- job training.

An electrician certificate program is quite comprehensive and covers maintenance and installation of residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems, with a special focus on safety procedures. An electrician certification program takes a year to complete.

On completing the apprenticeship, electricians-in- training should get certified by passing the state licensing exam. Getting certified is absolutely critical for electricians. All states require electricians to take the state licensing exams and be licensed before working as professionals in the field. For more information on this, get in touch with your state electrical licensing board.

What are the requirements of a State Electrical Licensing Exam?

Electricians can get certified only by passing an electrical licensing exam conducted by their state board. In a typical licensing exam, electricians will be tested on their knowledge of electrical theory, national and local electrical codes. Some states require electricians to get a master electrician certification for specialized electrical work. It is important for electricians to have gathered sufficient work experience to become eligible for an electrician certification and licensing offered by their state.

Job Outlook for Electricians in the United States

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians in the country had a mean annual wage of $53,030 in 2012. The BLS expects demand for electricians in the country to increase by 23% from 2010 to 2020 with a specific demand for specialists working on areas such as home automation Colorado Springs, home theater installation, solar and wind power and so on.

Home Security in Colorado Springs: Safe Housing And Better Lives

A lot of people do not consider home security systems until they fall prey to a theft or a mishap. A great deal of these incidents can be prevented, if people have security systems pre-installed.

The current economic system and crisis have been putting people in financially desperate situations. Therefore such crimes are taking place every 15 minutes in some or the other part of the world.

There are a lot of ways to prevent these things from happening and security systems are on top of the list of things to do to prevent burglars from breaking into your house. There are a lot of other benefits associated with security systems. Thieves try to enter a property based on the ease of entrance but they are always afraid of getting caught. If their target has a Home Security in Colorado Springs, it is highly likely that they will not break into the house and find an easier target with no security systems installed.

There is complete peace of mind in knowing that your house and family are safe. There is no worry when leaving the house empty and going out of the town as well. Even insurance companies offer better discounts and premiums to properties with security systems installed. The systems let you respond better to emergencies and deal with culprits even if a theft has taken place.

Questions That Need To Be Answered Before Finalizing A Home Security System

Security systems protect you from more than just a thief. What makes the most difference is the automation system, the installing and the monitoring options, but choosing a home security system needs careful consideration. There are a few questions that require specific answers before finalizing a home security in Colorado:

Is the home under your ownership or rented?

Will the current owner need mobile access?

Is a camera necessary?

Are the owners going to stay for long or are they planning to move anytime soon?

Does the home need simple security or more than an anti burglar system?

Answering these simple questions will help you chose the right home security in Colorado. You will not only be able to finalize a particular system but also be able to work on your budgeted amount. The right system will be available for the right price only by knowing exactly what is needed. The next thing that needs attention after the cost is:

Installation- The installation procedure and requirements are very important. Some people may try to install the systems themselves to save extra bucks, but it is always better to get it done by a professional to avoid mishaps and future repair costs that may turn out to be way more expensive.

Warranty on equipment- This is a very important aspect to consider when choosing a home security system in Colorado. Most companies offer warranties on replacement and repairs for a certain period. Make sure these are taken care of, to avoid problems in the future.

Take note of the above mentioned FAQs and contact Wire Works Co Inc for more details.

What options are available for lighting in Colorado Springs?

The electricians of Colorado Spring’s based Wire Works Co Inc can help you select and install the ideal lighting setup in your home. Wire Works has personally worked on countless lighting installs. We have the experience necessary to help you perfectly capture the right environment in your home. What areas of your home may need to be lit up? Here are some popular options:

Above the kitchen sink

Over a breakfast bar

Around the home theater system to prevent glare

Light up a bookshelf

Show off your collection of model cars, beautiful antiques or other valuables

Those are just some ideas that can help beautify your home. Our specialized consultations can help take your lighting projects to the next level!

What options are available for home theater Colorado Springs?

A home theater can help make football Sunday that much more special. It can turn a triple AAA Hollywood blockbuster into a memory you cherish. Even popular TV shows look and sound better when the the technology in your audio & video system are easy to use.

The electricians of Colorado Spring’s based Wire Works Co Inc can help you select and install the best home theater for your living space. Wire Works has personally worked on copious home theater installs. We have the experience necessary to help yo amplify your home entertainment experience. Our specialized consultations can help take your home entertainment project to the next level!

Why bother with Powering devices over Ethernet?

Oftentimes you’d like to install a device such as a security camera. To install this device, you’d normally need two wires traipsing through your establishment. Usually, power comes a separate power cord and controlling the device using data requires using yet another cord, usually an Ethernet wire.

These two lines supply power and data. Data would send information to your device, allowing you to control it. For example, if you are running a remote control camera, any time you adjust the focus of the camera, this data is sent over the cable connected via Ethernet.

Wouldn’t it be nice to just have one wire running through your home or business? Enter Power over Ethernet (PoE). There are many advantages to using Power over Ethernet:

With one less wire to run, your bill from a local electrician just went down!

Your device doesn’t need to be next to a power outlet, or have a separate power source installed, thus allowing you increased freedom.

POE is advanced. Power over Ethernet can protect your devices from being overloaded, underpowered, or being installed incorrectly.

Because of its universal nature, Power over Ethernet can have a back up power source or be controlled easily – disable and reset devices at will!

With power on your network, the possibilities are unlimited. Give your business room to grow with simple and effective installation and scalability.

What practical applications can PoE serve?

Power over Ethernet can control a variety of devices. 3 of the most popular applications are:

VoIP (communicating via the internet).

IP cameras (security cameras, or other video cameras).

and wireless devices such as RFID readers (security cards).

How can you add Power over Ethernet to your home and commercial buildings?

POE Switch – Power over Ethernet Switches

A POE switch is a popular way to add PoE to your network. A PoE switch has Power over Ethernet built in. There are a variety of options available to suit any application. Ask your local electrician for advice regarding which PoE to buy, or have them set it up for you.

Then, simply connect your network devices to the switch like any other Ethernet switch. The PoE Switch can and will detect what devices are PoE compatible and make the necessary adjustment. For example it will enable the power automatically!

Midspan – Power over Ethernet

What if your regular network links do not have PoE? Use a midspan, or PoE injector. Each network connection must be routed through the PoE injector. A midspan can be used by an electrician contractor to upgrade existing LAN to Power over Ethernet. As with a PoE switch, there are a variety of midspan options available. Also similar to Power over Ethernet switches, power is automatically supplied.

PoE Splitter – Power over Ethernet Splitter

The device itself, such as an existing IP security camera, can be upgraded to PoE. The camera’s network connection is tied into the PoE splitter, and taps into the Power over Ethernet. The power is then converted into low voltage power acceptable to power the device.

What types of tools make PoE and PoE Switch installation easier?

There are a variety of tools available to test and install Power over Ethernet devices. Wire Works Co Inc officially recommends the use of Net Prowler™, Cable Prowler™ or Net Chaser™ tools. These are products of Platinum Tools. When these network testers are connected to an Ethernet cable, a lot of valuable information can be found out, like:

The Ethernet networking standard that underlies most of today’s wired data connections is over thirty-five years old. Early Ethernet connections offered bandwidth at a tiny fraction of what today’s connections do. Dozens of important developments have since collectively allowed for the far higher speeds users enjoy today.

In addition to evolving consistently in the digital realm of zeroes and ones, network cable in Colorado Springs has also developed greatly in terms of the data that it carries, like video and streaming material. The first cables used for creating Ethernet connections were simple by today’s standards, with many advances since allowing for far faster and more reliable networking.

Category 6 – State of the Art Advancements in Network Cable

The most advanced standardized form of cable at the present time is known as Category 6, often abbreviated as “cat 6.” Just like their predecessors in Category 5, data cables from this family come in a couple of different varieties.

What they share, though, is the ability to provide the greatest possible bandwidth allowed for by the modern Ethernet standard. When the right conditions are in place, Category 6 cables can deliver speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second under the 10GBASE-T Ethernet standard. At the same time, cable of this class will also allow for full backward compatibility with older, slower equipment, making this the most flexible and future-proof basic form of Ethernet cable Colorado Springs providers offer today.

Upping the Ante with Improved Shielding and Reduced Noise

While Category 6 has proved to be an extremely capable and desirable form of network cable in Colorado Springs, an even newer and more advanced version is also available. With improved shielding and other design tweaks, CAT6A cable can deliver the same levels of bandwidth over greater run lengths and with even more reliability.

Although the benefits of this refined version of the Category 6 standard become most obvious in especially demanding environments, making use of it in other settings can be a good way of covering all the bases. Because it is even more resistant to crosstalk and other forms of interference, it will often make sense to deploy cable of the more advanced Category 6 “A” type just to be safe.

Terminating Networking Cable

Of course, cable alone will not allow for the network connectivity that local business and residents are so interested in. Unfinished Ethernet cable of all kinds has to be terminated with an appropriate connector being affixed to each end of a particular run.

This is a straightforward, routine process, although it does require skill and attention to complete successfully:

The end of the cable is first stripped to expose the individual wires bundled within.

The wires are then carefully separated and sorted into a predetermined order according to their colors.

So arranged, the wires are inserted into a fresh connector of the appropriate class and type.

A specialized crimping tool is then used to permanently close the connector with excess wire length often being trimmed in the process.

Any necessary finishing will be conducted, followed by testing to ensure the termination was successful.

Running Network Cable in Colorado Springs in a Home or Business?

As might be expected, actually installing network cable in Colorado Springs is something a professional electrician will be well suited for. In fact, the installation of cabling itself is generally easier than doing the same for electrical wiring, with the skills that allow for the latter being all that are needed and then some.

It will therefore generally make excellent sense to call a local electrician for any work of this kind that might be needed. Terminating CAT6 is only one step in the process, and it is one an electrician will be especially well qualified for as well. Contact Wire Works Co Inc for all your Ethernet or network cable services.

Many devices, like security cameras, require a separate power source – meaning that more wiring and complexity are needed. However, Power over Ethernet or PoE, is a better way of wiring – the Ethernet cable running to a device can also supply the power needed to run the device. This eliminates many of the problems of traditional CCTV security cameras. Power over Ethernet can also power other automated systems.

To install PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems, basic electrical principles and rules need to applied. If issues occur during installation, a digital network tester must be used to to measure and detect Power over Ethernet (PoE) errors.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) options

Two Power over Ethernet (PoE) variances are available. One PoE, referred to as “Standard PoE” ensures that a max of 12.95 watts is present at the device, in this case a security camera. This provides a working voltage of 37 & 57 volts DC.

There is also a higher variant of PoE, often referred to as PoE+. Power over Ethernet Plus supplies 25.5 watts at a voltage between 42.5 and 57 volts at the device.

PoE Operating Modes & Power Specs

In addition to these two variances, two operating modes are available. Mode A supplies positive power on pins 1 and 2 and negative power on pins 3 and 6, while mode B uses pins 4 and 5 for positive power and pins 7 and 8 for negative power.

Two types of power supply are possible. A midspan injector is connected between the switch and the device. 12.95 watts is the maximum that Midspan can support.

Power Supply – Midspan PoE

Midspan operates in mode B and operates using spare pairs that are not needed for 10Base-TX and 100Base-TX Ethernet.

Power Supply – PoE Routers & Switches

As another option,PoE enabled routers and switches can supply the power. This is compatible with 1000Base-TX Ethernet speeds. Data lines supply the power.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) Problems

A Power over Ethernet device like a security camera can only operate when power is supplied. Therefore, power is supplied when the device is plugged in. The actual power supply is higher than the specs listed. Why? The power must overcome the resistance of the cable itself. For PoE it is 15.4 watts and PoE+ it’s 30 watts.

4, 7, 15.4 or 30 watts are the max classes that PoE can supply.

A high quality cable is worth using in Power over Ethernet applications. A poor quality cable will leave insufficient power for the device, and it will power off. A high quality solid CAT6 cable is best, especially for PoE+, due to its higher current carrying capacity.

Digital Network Testers installing PoE

Need to know the length of a cable, or measure distance? A digital network tester can help!

Installing Power over Ethernet (PoE) requires the use of digital network testers. The availability of PoE, the maximum power available as well as the supply voltage range and power supply mode are displayed on a tester. The digital network tester will also identify which pairs are transmitting the PoE voltage, test the link speed and capability.

Network Testers can also show IPV4 and IPV6 protocols, ping IP and URL addresses and establish whether CDP or LLDP protocols are used. When using the network mapping capabilities, the tester will show MAC addresses, device names and IP addresses, in addition to VLAN identification.

To find errors and faults, link light identification on the tester can identify which port the cable is connected. Plus, a tone generator can even trace, show and identify individual cores. Open circuits, short circuits and incorrect RJ45 connections can be identified.

How to install Power over Ethernet (PoE)

It can be overwhelming trying to find & install the right Power over Ethernet devices that are just right for you.

Let Wire Works Co Inc help. If you live in Colorado Springs we would be more than happy to be of assistance. With over 20 years of experience you can fully depend on us to provide work of the highest quality and with the most up-to-date techniques. Contact us!

Also known as domotics or “smart home systems”, home automation embedding refers to the electronic or automatic control of home systems. These include household features, such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, and various appliances.

A more in-depth, and more interesting explanation, goes a little bit like this:

History of Home Automation

The history of automation goes back further than many people realize. As early as almost 120 years ago Nikola Tesla made the first wireless remote control. (He used it for controlling a miniature boat. Hurrah for all the model boat enthusiasts!)

Only a few years later we see the start of electric or gas-powered domestic appliances, beginning with a vacuum cleaner. It soared on from there with refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, sewing machines, and toasters. (This was only for the wealthy, though. Those things were expensive.)

As time went on, and appliances were becoming more common place, the idea of home automation was played with more and more. And not just by science fiction authors. It wasn’t until 1975, though, when the first home automation network technology was developed.

In the year of 1984 the term “Smart Home” was first coined by the American Association of House Builders. On through the late ’80s and ’90s embedded home automation was slowly growing. Until we reach today, when it is absolutely booming.

Home Automation Today

Today technology is so affordable and readily available we generally don’t even think about it. Automation in both the home and business is a part of all of our lives. Not everyone has jumped onto the bandwagon yet, but millions now control their TVs, heating and AC, lights, alarm systems, and doors via controllers or smart phones. This is Home Automation!

But what do the individual terms mean? Automation? Embedding? Why domotics, or “Smart Home”?

Automation

When something operates automatically it means that it works by itself, with little or no direct human control. So, home automation means that much of the items in the home can operate pretty much on their own. As an example, modern thermostats adjust minute by minute to daily temperature fluctuations in the home. So, other than us entering our preferred temperature, they operate automatically. More home systems are becoming automated every year.

Embedding

Originally, according to dictionary.com, the word Embed referred to fossils in rock. Today, it can refer to fixing any one thing to another. So, given the subject at hand, “home automation embedding” refers to the attaching of control systems to any automated object in your home.

Domotics

The term “domotics” has been used more and more as a way to describe how domestic appliances are being combined with computers and robotics. (It comes from mixing together the Latin word for home, domus, and robotics.) Really it’s just a cool was to say Home Automation, or Smart Home.

Smart Home

So, onto the last phrase: Smart Home. This term refers to more than just strictly automated appliances. Rather, it combines the above three terms into one. We’ve covered how pretty much anything in your home can be automated, and it can be embedded with control systems to make that possible. A Smart Home is one that takes these automated systems and gives you the opportunity to keep an eye on them by means of your smart phone or computer. Much like in Ray Bradbury’s short story There Will Come Soft Rains, a Smart Home provides comfort and efficiency whether anyone is home or not. (But, not in a creepy way.)

How Do I Get Home Automation Embedding?

Embedded home automation, or making our home a “smart” one, is something that is not only feasible in the modern age, but something that will make our lives so much better!

Ranging from “intelligent” stand alone objects to entire “attentive” homes that gather information with the goal of anticipating the occupants needs, the options are nearly endless. Whatever extent you wish to go with your home automation, we will be there to help. Contact Wire Works Co., and let us make life easier for you.

What is a whole house generator?

A whole house generator installation is good for those power outages when critical appliances can’t lose power, especially when you’re not there to deal with it!

Whole house generators help protect your family and every item inside it. Oftentimes, a power outage happens when you least expect it. With a smart, well thought-out plan a professional electrician can ensure your home never loses power. Electricity is vital to our modern lifestyle. Ensure your investments are protected. A whole house generator solution can ensure the safety of your home, business and family.

Standby generator installation completed by Wire Works Co Inc

Why trust Wire Works Co Inc with a whole house generators installation?

Wire Works Co Inc has over 20 years of experience in providing quality electrical installations. Our licenses and insurance are up-to-date. In addition, we have many testimonials from satisfied clients. Wire Works Co Inc serves Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. We are a local, trusted master electrician. Contact us today to meet a friendly, helpful electrician who can help you with a standby generator installation.